POULTRY-HOUSE FITTINGS 



163 



of stock, without penning separately each hen under observation. 

 In general their use is limited to experimental work, in which they 

 are indispensable, and to special breeding operations. They cannot 

 be used to advantage when attendants are not at hand to release 

 the hens at frequent intervals during the day, nor is it practicable 

 to use them for ordinary laying and breeding stock. 



Fig. 256a. Cornell trap nests, under Fig. 2561}. Cornell trap nests, attached 

 roost platform ^ to wall ^ 



There are scores of different kinds of trap nests made. In all 

 the entrance is so constructed that as the hen enters she springs 

 the catch which holds the door open, and it closes after her in such a 

 manner that she cannot leave the nest until released by an attendant. 

 Some of these nests are very simple in construction ; others are more 

 complicated. Each designer claims greater 

 accuracy for his nest than is found in others, 

 but in their ordinary use absolute accuracy 

 is not a vital point. In general, accuracy 

 depends somewhat on the trap being kept 

 clear of obstructions, the nesting material 

 being the chief cause of trouble. 



.Number of nests required. Of common 

 nests one for every four to six hens is usually 

 sufficient. When trap nests are used, these proportions will be satis- 

 factory if the hens are removed from the nests at frequent intervals. 



Feed troughs. Troughs are used principally for wet (or moist) 



, mashes, but also occasionally for dry ground grains when fed in 



limited quantities. The pattern most used is a flat-bottomed, shallow 



trough. V-shaped troughs are also common. These plain troughs 



1 Photographs from New York State Agricultural College at Cornell University. 



Fig. 257. Catch used on 

 Cornell trap nest 



